CO129-592-14 Future policy and draft proclamations- offences against the Members of the Forces 1-8-1945 - 31-8-1945 — Page 16

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Short title.

British Military Administration, Hong Kong.

Proclamation No. of 1941.

A Proclamation as to certain Offences during the period of martial law.

WHEREAS it is necessary to make provision for the safety of His lajesty's Forces and the Forces of the Allies and for the maintenance of public order and safety :

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS PROCLAIMED as follows :-

1. This Proclamation may be cited as the Offences Proclamation, 194 •

Interpretation2. In this Proclamation, unless otherwise provided or unless

the context otherwise requires

General warning as

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Court" means any court established during the period of martial law.

"Forces H includes all personnel of the British and Allied Naval, Land and Air Forces and any person employed by, or in the service of, or who is a follower of, or who accompanies any part of such Forces.

"Person" includes all persons except persons entitled,if captured, to be treated as prisoners of war.

3. All persons are hereby warned to abstain from &11 actions of & neture calculated to disturb public order or to prejudice to behaviour.the interests or safety of the Forces or to aid the enemy.

They must comply promptly with all lawful orders given by the military administration or by any member thereof in the execution of his duty.

Announcement

4. Notwithstanding anything contained in the law of the

as to special Colony or the provision by such law of any other or lesser

offences. penalty for offences of the same or the like nature,but

without prejudice to the making of any charge or complaint or the laying of any information in respect of any offence recognized by the said law :

Offences

which may be punished

with death.

(1) Any person who

(a) bears arms or wages war against the Forces ;or

(b) acts as an enemy spy or knowingly harbours or aids

in any way an energy spy;or

(c) communicates in any manner whatsoever with the enemy

or with any person within territory under enemy control on any matter whatsoever with intent directly or indirectly to assist the enemy or to prejudice public safety or the efficient prosecution of the war;or

(a) wilfully misleads any troops of the Forces in the

performance of their duties;or

(e) knowingly assists any member of the enemy armed forces

to evade capture;or

1.